Locally Grown Food is Better for Us
Why is locally grown food better for us?
Local Food Benefits the Environment and Wildlife
Supports Local Farm Families
Closer Communities
Why is locally grown food better for us?
- One of the many reasons is because small farms tend to be less aggressive with the usage of chemicals than larger farms.
- It takes a shorter time for the food to get to you and therefore less nutrients will be lost and your food will be fresher. If you think about it, food that has been imported is older, has sat in warehouses, and has traveled in trucks before it gets to you.
- Local food is safer because when you purchase the food at your local farmers market the farmer is not anonymous and their consumers are their number one priority.
- Local food will taste and look better because crops are picked right at their peak. Who doesn’t like tasty fresh food? I sure do!
Local Food Benefits the Environment and Wildlife
- Purchasing locally grown food you helps the fight against global warming. The average food travels about 1,500 miles to get to its destination. By buying locally we can reduce the usage of fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gases that are released out to our atmosphere.
- Farms that are well kept and maintained protect our water resources, they conserve fertile soil, and remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
- These farms provide natural habitats for wildlife.
- There is biodiversity because local farmers grow a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Not much packaging is needed to transport local food.
Supports Local Farm Families
- Farmers sell directly to the consumers so there is no need for a middleman. By cutting out the middle man the farmers get full retail price for their food.
- It not only helps the farmers but the community as well because the money stays locally circulating through your community.
Closer Communities
- By shopping at your local farmers market you make connections with the people who grow your food. You will know your food is always fresh and comes from good hands. By having connections with the farmers you will be able to learn about seasons and weather and their effect on crops.
Resources:
"Eartheasy." Eartheasy Blog 10 Reasons to Buy Food Locally Comments. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://eartheasy.com/blog/2009/01/10-reasons-to-buy-food-locally/>.
"Local Farmers Markets." Guide To San Diego Local Farmers Markets Comments. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://blog.oldtown-inn.com/old-town-san-diego/local-farmers-markets>.
"Small Farm Central." Blog. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://www.smallfarmcentral.com/blog>.